The Spain midfielder, 30, was a star of the Valencia side managed by current Gunners chief Unai Emery from 2008 and 2011.

And having so far refused to extend his stay at Old Trafford beyond this season – despite the club’s best efforts to persuade him to sign a new deal – Mata could prove an irresistible bargain to his old coach.

Emery remains a big admirer of the United playmaker, who left Valencia for Chelsea in a £37.1million switch seven years ago – and he is monitoring his situation and form closely.

Whether he swoops in the summer will depend if he feels his Arsenal side, who travel to Crystal Palace today bidding for a 12th win in a row, needs more experience.

Arsenal news: Unai Emery plans move for Juan Mata (Image: GETTY)

Arsenal news: Aaron Ramsey is wanted by United (Image: GETTY)

And that may well come down to what happens regarding Aaron Ramsey’s future in north London.

The Wales ace, 28 in December, is also poised to become a free agent in June after Arsenal pulled the plug on contract talks.

Ironically, Ramsey is wanted by United but the chances of a New Year swap deal involving Mata – as happened with Alexis Sanchez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan last January – are remote.

While that would definitely suit both clubs, neither player is in a rush to make any decision.

Ramsey has plenty of other options, with Chelsea, AC Milan, Juventus and Valencia all in the hunt for his signature.

Mata, meanwhile, is still keen on staying at Old Trafford.

But he needs convincing that he will be a first-team regular under Jose Mourinho – or a new United manager.